Photo: RAPCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Samphire Plant Care
Sarcocornia neei (Lag.) M.A.Alonso & M.B.Crespo
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This plant's fleshy, cylindrical green stems are its most distinctive visual feature. Sarcocornia neei originates from the coastlines of South Africa, thriving in saline environments. Plant collectors are drawn to this species for its unique appearance and ability to tolerate high levels of salt, making it a striking addition to coastal gardens.
Every 7–14 days
Full sun
65–85°F
60–80%
At a glance
How do you care for Samphire?
Water Samphire every 7–14 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun. It prefers temperatures of 65–85°F (18–29°C) and 60–80% humidity. Fertilize it every 2 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Samphire Native To?
What Is the Samphire?
Samphire (Sarcocornia neei) belongs to the Amaranthaceae family within the Sarcocornia genus. Samphire is native to Venezuela, the Galápagos, mainland Ecuador to South Brazil and Southern South America. Samphire is also known as Sea Asparagus, Glasswort.
Samphire displays a low, spreading succulent growth habit, reaching up to 3 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. Samphire produces small inconspicuous flowers.
Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Samphire?
Sarcocornia neei requires watering every 7–14 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–14 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Samphire Need?
Samphire thrives in full sun.
Light Requirement
Full sun
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Samphire Prefer?
Sarcocornia neei grows best at temperatures of 65–85°F. Samphire prefers humidity levels of 60–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
65–85°F
Humidity
60–80%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Samphire?
Sandy, saline soil with good drainage. Good drainage is essential for Samphire to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Samphire?
Feed Samphire every 2 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every 2 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Samphire?
Repot every 1-2 years in early spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Samphire?
Samphire can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings.
Is the Samphire Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Samphire, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Samphire?
Samphire is susceptible to aphids, spider mites. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
Keep exploring plants
Samphire is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Sarcocornia genus (family Amaranthaceae) — search all Sarcocornia species in the plant lookup.
Samphire thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Sarcocornia neei (Lag.) M.A.Alonso & M.B.Crespo, family Amaranthaceae (first published in Ann. Bot. Fenn. 45: 250 (2008)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Samphire, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Photo: RAP, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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